Customer Reviews: Read 23 more reviews...
 A classic August 14, 2008
I love how with every album Loreena McKennitt puts out, her album is the results of her travels all over the world. On her album THE BOOK OF SECRETS (which would be her last studio album for several years before AN ANCIENT MUSE), Loreena explores the history of the celts. When I listen to the cd, I feel like I am getting a history lesson in celtic history. I like that Loreena writes music that is never insulting or trite.Although the album version of "The Mummer's Dance" is a far cry from the radio version, it is nonetheless still a joy to listen to. The album version is longer and slower while the radio versoin is shorter and more upbeat. Me thinks radio wanted a version that would appeal to a broader audience. If that was the case it worked but unfortunately it made people expect that version to be found on THE BOOK OF SECRETS. My personal favorite track on the album is the haunting ballad "Dante's Prayer" which was inspired by a trip across Siberia during one winter on a train, and the book DANTE'S INFERNO. I lke how minimal the use of instruments are on this particular track, allowing Loreena's warm voice to be the center of attention. The rest of the album is just as wonderful. The richly detailed lyrics and the lush, haunting celtic melodies makse for a wonderful combination. THE BOOK OF SECRETS have really grown on me over the years and is now a steadfast favorite in my itunes library and stereo.
 Loreena is wonderful! July 17, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
The only disappointment I had was that the CD contains a different version of "The Mummer's Dance" than is heard on the radio. I much prefer that version but otherwise her music is beautiful! Her lovely voice and the lush instrumentation make for a very enjoyable listening experience.
Sensational! May 8, 2008
When you want to chill out, this is the music you need. It is very soothing to the soul.
Excellent April 12, 2008
Amazing music, excellent artist. I love Lorenna McKennit music, and this disc is one of her best ones.
One masterpiece and a couple of good ones January 12, 2008
1 out of 5 found this review helpful
After Enya, Norah Jones and Yanni, the roster of New Age musicians becomes decidely less famous. One popular New Age artist is Loreena McKennitt. Her music, like her ancestry, is Celtic though many of the themes are reminescent of Enya. Her most famous work is The Mummer's Dance, a staple of pop radio stations in the late 1990s, and the feature work on this album. The other works are also good, but none as great as The Mummer's Dance. The album itself only has eight works, making this a short album for the purchase price. Each of the works are unique, some are instrumental while others include singing. The music is appropriate background music while reading or eating dinner. Overall, an OK album.
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